A formal consultation will begin next year on a proposal to relocate a Hampshire secondary school.

Hampshire County Council will open the consultation on January 10, seeking the public's view on moving The Henry Cort Community College in Fareham to a new site in North Whiteley from September 2027.

The consultation will run until February 14 and will be available on the county council's website.

This decision to consult was approved by Cllr Roz Chadd, cabinet lead for children's services.

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The consultation, originally planned for early November, was postponed after the county council's children and young people select committee called a meeting to discuss the matter.

This meeting took place on Tuesday, November 19, and the majority of committee members agreed that the decision to consult did not need reconsideration.

The formal consultation is part of an ongoing process, with a final decision expected in June 2025, after local elections.

The proposal to move the school is based on forecasts predicting a demand for between 900 and 1,200 secondary school places due to the ongoing development of the Whiteley area.

A new secondary school is planned in North Whiteley to meet this demand.

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The planned school in North Whiteley would significantly impact The Henry Cort Community College in Fareham, which currently serves students from across the Whiteley area.

The relocation is expected to protect the school's future, ensuring sufficient school places and quality education for all children across Whiteley and Fareham.

Cllr Chadd said: "I want to thank my colleagues on the select committee for today’s discussion. I understand there are a range of views on the proposed relocation of Henry Cort, and I can assure local residents and my fellow members that all feedback is highly valued and appreciated.

"This is why we continue to consult extensively on this matter, and why it is so important for the Whiteley and Fareham community to come forward and share their views with us through the upcoming formal consultation.

"I must stress that that no final decision has been taken, and will not be until June next year, following thorough consideration of all feedback received and the many important factors concerning the long-term educational offer in the local area."

A public notice will be published on January 10 on the county council’s website.

Any changes to local catchment areas and admissions arrangements will be subject to separate consultations.